Post-mix beverage system

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system (100) comprises a container (110), an attachment mechanism (120), and a cartridge (150). The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism (120) is generally located within the container (110). The attachment mechanism (120) may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion (124), and a valve assembly (126). The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge (150) within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion (124) may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container (110). The valve assembly (126) may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge (150) with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge (150) to be dispensed into the container (110), thereby combining the contents of the cartridge (150) with the liquid within the container (110) to create a drinkable beverage.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 093,090, filed August 29, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 146,156, filed January 21, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety Reference. technical field [0002] The present invention relates generally to beverage dispensing devices, and more particularly, the present invention relates to post-mix beverage systems. Background technique [0003] It is known that beverages are marketed, dispensed and sold in many different types of containers. The type of container used depends on a variety of factors including, for example, the consumer to whom the beverage is marketed, the distribution channel, and / or the quantity of beverage being sold. In this regard, beverages sold to consumers are often dispensed in plastic bottles. But, unfortunately, a large number of plastic bottles are thrown away as waste. While recycling efforts have increased, bottled ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While known post-mix systems reduce the waste associated with other dispensing mechanisms (such as plastic bottles), these systems require large, expensive systems that are too large to be used by consumers other than retail outlets that sell large quantities of beverages. complex and cumbersome

Even for such a retail store, the knowledge and cost required to maintain these traditional post-mix systems is inconvenient

Also, it is known that past systems required regular calibration to ensure the correct amount of slurry was properly mixed with the liquid

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